The Bicilindrica (twin-cylinder) 500 2C was designed in 1933 by Carlo Guzzi, who reputedly mated a pair of Albatross 250 engines resulting in a 120 degree V-twin in much the same manner as did Phil Irving a few years later.

In 1935 it gained rear suspension and was the first Moto Guzzi racer to do so. That year, Stanley Woods won the IOM Tourist Trophy Senior race.

During its very long career, from 1933 to the mid-1950s, it won 64 GP victories and took the Italian Championship 7 times.